UEFA Urged to Address Substandard Pitches in Women's Football - Bompastor's Call for Action

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has urged UEFA to take immediate action to address the 'unacceptable' pitch conditions faced by women's football teams. This call comes in the wake of recent high-profile matches where the playing surfaces were deemed substandard, raising concerns over player safety and the quality of the game.

The Problem with Pitches

The issue was highlighted during Arsenal's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, where the pitch at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano was described as a 'disgrace' by Arsenal legend Ian Wright. The hybrid pitch deteriorated rapidly, with large patches of mud appearing, making it difficult for players to perform at their best.

Similarly, the Women's League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Derby County's Pride Park also saw complaints about the uneven surface and large patches of mud. Bompastor emphasized that such conditions are not only detrimental to the quality of the game but also pose significant risks to player safety.

A Call for Change

Bompastor believes that in 2025, women's football should not have to contend with such poor playing conditions. She called on UEFA to enforce stricter standards and ensure that clubs provide better pitches, especially during international breaks when larger stadiums are available.

'This is something we need to now take into account and, being in 2025, we are in the modern world where in the women's game we should have the best pitches possible,' Bompastor stated.

The Role of UEFA

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has also voiced concerns, stating that the safety of female footballers is being put 'at risk' by substandard playing conditions in major matches. Bompastor feels a duty to 'raise our voices' about these issues and wants UEFA to play a more active role in addressing them.

'I think... UEFA should take some decisions and should [force] the clubs to be able to have another pitch, especially when it's an international break for the men's side and the stadium - the big stadium - is available,' she added.

Moving Forward

While some have attributed the poor pitch conditions to weather-related issues, Bompastor and others in the football community believe that more can and should be done to ensure that women's football is played on the best possible surfaces. This not only enhances the quality of the game but also safeguards the well-being of the players.

As the conversation around pitch conditions continues, it is clear that action is needed to elevate the standards of women's football and ensure that players can compete in safe and optimal environments.